Glory

Meng Xianzong suppressed his anger, but Jiaxing's fury was no less intense.

Meng Xianzong only knew to urge them to devise solutions—why didn't he mention how he wanted others to handle matters yet dared not bear the consequences? He repeatedly warned them not to let anyone know the Meng family was scheming against Ye Yaming. But since she never left the house, what clever plans could they possibly come up with?

However, since their Indentured Servant Contracts were still in Meng Xianzong's hands, Jiaxing suppressed his rage, assumed a docile demeanor, lowered his gaze, and replied, "Yes, Master, I understand."

With the nighttime curfew in effect in the capital, Ye Yaming wouldn't venture out, and the young master of the Qian family would also stay home. During this time, Jia'an and the other two could finally relax, no longer needing to keep watch on them.

That evening, the three gathered in Jia'an's room to drink and talk.

"Several more days have passed, and the wedding is just a few days away. I don't think Ye Yaming will step out at all. If we fail this task, what should we do?" Jia'an asked gloomily, taking a swig of liquor.

His wife had recently been introduced to a small, affordable house in a good location through an acquaintance. The owner, desperate for money after gambling losses, was selling an unused property. The only requirement was speed—creditors wouldn't wait.

So, his wife kept asking him when their master's task would be completed, so they could regain their freedom, buy the house, and settle down.

Seeing the other two remain silent, Jia'an narrowed his eyes slightly and added, "Do you really think he'll return our Indentured Servant Contracts even if we succeed?"

The three fell silent.

The Meng household now consisted of only an old steward, three maids and matrons attending Kong Shi, two personal Pages serving Meng Xianzong, and their three families. Their wives and children worked in the kitchen, served the young ladies of the house, or managed cleaning duties.

If their three families were released, the Meng family would be left with only six servants. The maids and matrons around Kong Shi were her trusted confidantes, formerly treated like secondary young mistresses, even having their own junior maids. The two Pages serving Meng Xianzong were similarly privileged.

If their three families left, could those remaining even cook a proper meal? They'd probably starve.

Moreover, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. Though the Meng family appeared to have declined—moving to a smaller residence, dismissing concubines, and selling off many servants—Jia'an and the others knew it was all a show for the British Duke's residence.

Meng Xianzong not only owned three shops but also several hundred mu of farmland. Supporting their three families was well within his means. Releasing them would mean he'd have to buy new servants.

But where would he find replacements as capable as the old hands? Never mind the kitchen and cleaning staff—just finding three like them, who could handle tasks efficiently, would be nearly impossible.

Previously, they had been blinded by Meng Xianzong's promises. Now, reminded by Jia'an, they suddenly saw the truth.

"What should we do then?" Jiawang asked.

Among the three, Jia'an was the most cunning and ruthless.

He rubbed his wine cup with his fingers and said, "In this household, only three masters remain. The Madam and the Fourth Young Lady are both incapable of managing affairs…"

He trailed off there, slowly finished the wine in his cup, set it down, picked up his chopsticks, and tossed a fried soybean into his mouth, chewing it with a crisp, crunching sound.Jiaxing and Jiawang had long grown accustomed to his habit of speaking only half his thoughts. Even if Jia'an conceived some wicked scheme, he would never voice it outright, leaving them to grasp his meaning themselves.

If they understood, it would become their collective plan, and they could proceed; if not, he wouldn't utter another word, and the matter would be dropped.

Pondering Jia'an's cryptic words for a long while, Jiaxing suddenly leaned close to him and whispered in an extremely low voice, "Are you suggesting... if the master were no longer in this household..."

A faint smile curled at the corner of Jia'an's lips. "Those are your words, not mine."

Jiawang's eyes lit up.

Why hadn't he thought of it? Without the master, with the mistress being just a woman and the fourth young miss only twelve years old, wouldn't they be able to do as they pleased?

He exclaimed excitedly, "I know where the master keeps his private savings."

The Meng family not only had land and shops remaining but also some highly valuable gold, silver, and fine belongings. Meng Xianzong was waiting for the British Duke's estate to forget about them so he could pawn some of these valuables to make a comeback and restart his business.

Jiaxing also knew that both Meng Xianzong and Kong Shi had hidden stashes.

After a moment's thought, he frowned and said, "The only trouble is Steward Chen."

"Isn't that simple..." Jia'an beckoned, and the three heads drew together, whispering and scheming for a good while.

Having long been accustomed to following the Meng father and son in wrongdoing, they were exceptionally patient. They waited several more days, watching as Ye Yaming's wedding day drew nearer, yet she still did not leave the house. With their plan seemingly failing, Meng Xianzong was so furious he could barely contain his curses.

Jia'an put on a dejected expression. "The plan didn't succeed not because we failed in our duties, but because there was simply no opportunity to act."

He lifted his eyes, looking at Meng Xianzong with hopeful anticipation. "Master, about what you promised us earlier..."

Meng Xianzong's suppressed anger erupted instantly. "What did I promise? I said I'd release you after the matter was accomplished. Has it been accomplished? Why are you bringing this up when the task isn't done? Do you think I'm some great benefactor from the Hall of Charitable Peace?"

Hearing this response, Jia'an wasn't the least bit surprised.

He replied with feigned fear and respect, "Master, please calm your anger."

As he spoke, he produced a wine flask with a pained expression and placed it before Meng Xianzong. "Master, this is Imperial Wine, given to me by a eunuch I met when I accompanied the young master into the palace. If you're feeling down, why not share a drink or two with Steward Chen?"

At the mention of "Imperial Wine" and "young master," Meng Xianzong was reminded of his son. Since he was seventeen, his son had taken over the Meng family, leaving him with no worries. How different it was now, with troubles piling up every day.

Ever since the news of Meng Chengwei's death arrived and the family faced repeated targeting by the British Duke's estate, he had developed the habit of drowning his sorrows in drink, with Steward Chen—who had been loyal to him for over twenty years—keeping him company.

He caressed the wine flask, a pained look flashing in his eyes. "Very well. Have the kitchen prepare a few dishes and summon Steward Chen."

Before long, Meng Xianzong and Steward Chen were drinking together, and they continued late into the night.

"Brother Jiafu, these are pastries my mother made. Who knows how long the master will keep drinking? You must be hungry. Have some pastries to fill your stomach." A young maid approached Meng Xianzong's page with a plate, handing him a serving of pastries."Thank you, Sister Chunhua. I'm truly hungry. Please convey my gratitude to Auntie for me." Jiafu, both starving and exhausted, was immensely grateful to receive this plate of pastries just when he was about to collapse.

He glanced at the two in the room who had drunk themselves nearly under the table, then slowly ate several pieces of pastry.